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CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I love a gadget, and this power bank is perfect for a Father’s Day gift!

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air holds enough power to recharge your iPhone 17 by 1.6 times or a Samsung S25 Ultra about 2.2 times over. That’s only for phones, it can power laptops too with 65W Fast Charging, which is enough to power a Mac Book Air from zero to 48%.

The slim design is deceptively heavy though! It’s enough to carry all that power but is about the size of a phone just fatter. It does mean that it fits into a pocket or hand luggage, and it would comfortably fit into a handbag too but it comes with a cosy bag to keep it in, along with the USB-C cable. The front of the power bank has a display which tells you the percentage charge already on the power bank, plus how long it will take to charge fully or how much charge it has left through each of the ports. Speaking of which, you can charge to and from the CUKTECH 15 with a Type-C2, Type-C2 and USB-A1 ports. The screen goes dark when not in use but the button at the side lights it up again so you can see the stats as it charges. The three different ports mean you can power up to three appliances all at once too.

You can charge up the CUKTECH with the provided cable. To change the direction of charge, click the side button twice and the display changes. Keep clicking and it allows you to change the display and setting so that the screen stays on and it shows you which port is being used to charge in or out of the power bank, and how long it takes to charge and the percentage. You can even change the display to be upside down so that you use it on the go or if it’s in a pocket!

At around £50, it’s not a bad price for a power bank on the market, as there are a lot out there which aren’t as compact or as useful, and having the ability to charge 3 appliances at once is definitely a benefit. The cable is a bit short though, especially if you have the charger in your pocket and you’re trying to walk and text at the same time, and you would have to source other cables for the other ports if your appliance didn’t already come with one, but they can all be poppled in the supplied bag so that you can carry them with you. Although it’s heavy too, it’s not any heavier than other power banks, and that’s because of the nature of the battery it contains.

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank is a really useful gift and a great surprise for Father’s Day as something that is actually helpful to everyday life.

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNQK3VHZ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP

Tessan PD20W Universal Power Adaptor

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For the Dads who travel for work, or just those Dads who are always prepared, the Tessan PD20W is a travel adapter for almost everywhere in the world, allowing him to plug in to a socket and use any appliance he’s taken with him.

The small, palm sized adaptor has 3 plugs to fix into a wall socket throughout the world; the sockets included are for the USA or Japan, Australia and the UK, meaning you can use it in Britain too if you have sockets or cables from elsewhere in the world. The front of the adaptor has 4 sockets in total. The first one is the AC socket which is commonly used in the US. Underneath, you have the USB-A, USB-C2 and USB-C1 sockets for cables. This is usually for charging phones and small appliances such as cameras and tablets. The three different sizes means it works on most modern appliances so there’s no need to bring anything else when you’re abroad.

The small, lightweight design has retractable plugs which pack away nicely, and can be turned out when ready to use. They are designed so that when one plug is being used, no others can be utilised so as not to interfere with the supply. They’re a bit clunky and all open in different ways but once you work out that one them slides, one of them flips and other one has to be prised out, you get the gist of it!

Charging is fairly quick on the Tessan PD20W Power adapter, given that it’s not a charger just an adapter. I could plug in my phone and it gives about 10% charge in 30 minutes, but that isn’t what the adapter is for. It’s mainly for being about use foreign sockets and plug in USB plugs but if you do need to charge a phone or appliance, you can charge overnight.

The Tessan PD20W is small enough that it can be packed away in your luggage or hand luggage and used anywhere abroad. For going on holiday or for the Dads in your life, it’s a nifty gadget that will be used again and again but will benefit everyone.

Currently available for £17.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0C1NRTR81/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=b0b68efcc7ecaa3dbd3e6bcea53d4618&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1770721697&sr=1-2-e0fa1fdd-d857-4087-adda-5bd576b25987&aref=pJEjmdvY48&ref_=sbx_s_sparkle_sbtcd_asin_1_title&pd_rd_w=E5nIF&content-id=amzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f%3Aamzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_p=7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_r=MTEFXKDHG0PHPCRVZ25S&pd_rd_wg=TbzsW&pd_rd_r=9ab1dc17-2e36-4d8a-b08f-50f8737b3f5c&th=1

Vamoosh Laundry Cleaning for Pets

Family Life, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Spring

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Spring time, and now’s the perfect time to do a proper deep clean, as well as start new habits. Vamoosh sent us some products from their range which help owners of pets as well as cleaning the appliances. I received the Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit fragrance, Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver and Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner.

I started with the Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner, not just so that I had a clean washing machine to compare the products with, but because my washer dryer wasn’t drying properly, I needed to clean it properly. To do a deep clean, you use a whole packet of the Washing Machine Cleaner on the hottest, longest wash and let Vamoosh do its magic. It dissolves hair (both human and pet!) but also anything else caught in the mechanics which is organic. This could be fluff, dirt and trapped fibres. After the washing machine clean, I took out the filter and it was almost 100% clean of fibres and hair, and my washing machine was back to doing what it does best!

The Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver works especially well on pet beds and clothing. Where fur hair gets entwined in the knit of fabrics, it can be difficult to remove and a build up over time compromises the quality of the material. Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver works by breaking down the pet hairs and releasing them from the fibres, and also helps with clothes that are covered in human hair, and as a human with long hair, I need this! The Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver worked on my jumpers that had pilling too, reducing the matting that happens naturally with wear over time.

Lastly, the Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner was the most surprising. I used it in conjunction with the Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver as a normal fabric conditioner. It did the job of conditioning clothes, by my jumper came out of the washing machine with visibly less pilling and no knots of hairs on the surface. I could see that the fluffy fabrics had been ‘tamed’ and looked neater than usual. I’ve only used the conditioner once on this jumper, but I’m looking forward to using it in the future to see if it can bring some life back to some of my old clothes!

Vamoosh products available in supermarkets and online at:

www.vamooshcleans.com

Vamoosh Hair Shield Fabric Conditioner £6.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/vamoosh-hair-shield-fabric-conditioner

Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner £9.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/washing-machine-cleaner-pink-grapefruit-for-deep-cleaning-washing-machines

Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver £14.99: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/vamoosh-6-sachets

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes and 1 & Done Detailer

Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You could take your car to the car wash every weekend. Expensive? Yes, especially if you have to wait in queue for ages like you do at my car wash! Instead, keep a bottle of 1 & Done Detailer in your car, or even the Renew & Restore Wipes for both inside the car and outside. Turtle Wax have both new products available and sent them to us to try out.

Turtle Wax Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) are individual wipes with a slight abrasion to them which can be uses for stubborn stains inside the car (such as upholstery and the dashboard) or for cleaning the body of the car on the outside. With a little light work, the wipes can remove bird poo, mud, tree sap and every day dirt. They’re great for when you have to clean the rest of the windscreen that the wipers don’t reach, or headlights that are foggy after a long drive. For inside the car, they are also brilliant for hand marks (I had a dirty hand mark on the inside pillar which the wipes got rid of) and on seats that have spills and stains, even dried in stains. In combination with a cleaner, they can even help lift more inground stains on the carpet and seats.

The 1 & Done Detailer is a 500ml spray for the outside bodywork of the car. It instantly cleans and shines bodywork and glass such as where green is starting to grow on this roof. The spray lifted the lichen quickly and the Turtle Wax Clean & Shine cloths remove all traces of dirt, leaving the paintwork sparkling. I also used 1 & Done Detailer on these light scratches on the door handle. It’s not removed them, but along with cleaning up the dirt, it does lessen the scratches altogether.

This is a great combination of cleaning and detailing products from Turtle Wax, and I’ve already left them in my car so that I can bring them out whenever I have the urgent need!

Renew & Restore Wipes (8 pack) available for £10 at: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/renew-restore-wipes-8-pack

1 & Done Detailer (500ml) available for £8.00: https://www.turtlewax.co.uk/products/1-done-detailer-500ml

Devonia Plant Fertilizer Sticks

Birthday Gifts, Children, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Spring, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This is a gardening hack for all gardeners, whether you’ve been gardening for years or if you’re a beginner! Devonia’s fertilizer spikes and sticks are nutrient dense sticks which feed plants at the roots over time, releasing food and providing magnesium and iron too. Easy to use, the sticks are just popped into the ground or pot next to the plant.

The nutrients are pre-measured so using the directions on the back of the packs, work out how many sticks are needed for the size of pot. There are a variety of sticks to choose from too, including the tomatoes & vegetables, Boarders & bedding plants and even for individual plants like olive trees, lavender and orchids. You have to push them below soil level and on the opposite side of the pot to the plant but after that, just water them and see the plant thrive. They last all season long from spring to autumn but I would recommend changing them out for the next spring to get the full benefit of them.

These are great gifts for gardeners too, or anyone who is growing plants indoors. I’ve used them for my indoor plants and a few seedlings which are just starting to grow now.

Available online from £6.49: https://devonialondon.co.uk/product/flower-bed-border-bedding-plant-food-sticks/

Steenbergs Loose Leaf Organic English Breakfast and Organic Double Mint Tea

Birthday Gifts, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Tea is one of the most important ‘meals’ of the day in our house, with the morning pot of tea (yes, we use a pot) to replace breakfast. Lately, I’ve been using loose tea for the first pot of the morning to be able to strengthen the flavour and to reduce the plastic waste that can be found in some commercial teabags. Steenbergs sent us some Organic English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea and Organic Double Mint Tea.

The Steenbergs Organic English Breakfast looks different. I compared it to the loose leaf tea from the supermarket and the Steenbergs leaves are chunkier, whereas the supermarket brands were like dust. This makes a difference to how they are brewed in the teapot because the leaves swell when absorbing water. With finer grains of tea, they swell but the flavour isn’t as full, and you get those particles of tea that collect at the bottom of your cup like a sediment. Steenbergs sent us a tea filter egg to use too, which is great if you’re only making one cup and also prevents some of the sediment. The flavour of the tea is full-bodied, and you don’t need much to make one cup in a pot. I used 1½ teaspoons of tea to make a pot and brewed for only about 3 minutes, which was enough. You can taste the ‘tea’ without there being a scum on top from additives and preservatives.

We also tried to Steenbergs Organic Double Mint Tea. Brewed in the same way in a pot, these leaves are just as substantial and there’s the lovely aroma from the box as you open them! As the afternoon goes on, I like to switch to herbal teas to reduce my caffeine. Mint tea is great for digestion both in the afternoons and after dinner. I found that I didn’t need as much of the Double Mint Tea per pot as I did of the English Breakfast; one teaspoon was enough as it’s really quite potent! The tea is fresh and strong but not acidic and brews nicely, filling the room with the mint scent.

Both are ideal for at home and either a pot of tea or a cup made individually, and make great gifts for tea lovers too!

Available from £3.45 at: https://steenbergs.co.uk

AQUAPHOR Water Filter

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, REUSABLE

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Whether it’s reducing plastic, filtering out toxins or eliminating heavy metals, a kitchen water filter jug benefits the whole family. AQUAPHOR ‘Filters every drop’ of your home tap water to reduce limescale and help create delicious drinks and taster food when cooking.

The jugs are designed with a slimline look which fits into the shelf of the fridge door. The massive jug holds 3.2 litres and has a battery-free filter indicator in the lid, which is flip-top to make it easier to fill. The custom filter, known as the AQUALEN is made of an ion-exchange filter material containing extra fine coconut shell carbon and efficient ion-exchange beads. As with most water filters, you need to soak the filter in water for 2 minutes first, then run water through the reservoir twice before being able to drink the water safely on the third filter.

The filter, which can last for 200 litres, filters out organic compounds, iron and heavy metals, as well as removing limescale which causes hard water. The lid of the ‘Fresh’ water just that we tested has a cartridge replacement counter. This gives an indication of the quality of the filter from 100% when it’s installed, down to zero percent when it needs changing. New cartridges can be found on the AQUAPHOR Amazon site (below).

The AQUAPHOR Fresh, which we tested, was ample size for a family, with us being able to fill it up and use about 3 times a day, and that was with cooking too. It’s easy to pick up and easy to fill up too, and the cartridge replacement counter is really useful in a busy household. The water tastes pure and when you hold it up to the light it certainly looks clear too. I’ve tried it in the kettle a few times after having cleaned the limescale from inside, and it hasn’t furred up the mechanism yet so the hard water must be removed during the filtering process.

No one in my house has complained about the taste of the water, which is always a bonus! If you’re not used to filling up a jug all the time then that can get a bit of getting used to, but we always have a jug of water ready to go. The filters aren’t that expensive and you can buy them in bulk but they do last a long time so you can buy 6 at a time on Amazon and forget about buying anymore for a while.

AQUAPHOR is a great alternative to under sink filters, not least because they’re cheaper but they rival anything else on the market, and you know that you’re getting purer, cleaner water than what comes out of the tap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/AQUAPHORWATERFILTERS/page/241D9FA6-27A6-4C44-958B-D54BE2F7453D

Yankee Candle Serenity Stone Signature Large Jar Candle

Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Home, Home & Garden, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Once upon a time candles were a necessity in all homes, with the flickering flame the only way to light a room in the evening. These days candles are no longer just practical and make an indulgent treat for ourselves (why not?) or a lovely gift for a loved one. They’re also a lot more stylish, with many in elegant glass jars that look just as lovely on a shelf or coffee table as they do when they’re lit.

When you’re buying candles it is definitely worth knowing what to look for. A good candle isn’t just about a pretty jar or fancy sounding fragrance – you need to consider the ingredients, the burn time, the scent, the design and of course the price.

When it comes to fragrance I tend to go for fresh and floral notes and Yankee Candle have plenty of fragrances that feel light, airy and perfect for this time of year. I’m currently enjoying their new Signature Large Jar Serenity Stone Candle, which has a lovely fresh fragrance making it the perfect choice for Spring. The top notes bring together Marine Accord, Dune Grass and Water Hyacinth, which immediately give you that breezy, just stepped outside sort of feeling. Then things soften slightly with Blue Chamomile, Cactus Blossom and Aloe in the middle, before settling into a base of Vetiver, Sea Moss and Wet Stone Accord.

Not only does the candle smell amazing but the Yankee Candle’s elegant glass jars look beautiful in any home. The candle itself is made from a smooth soy wax blend, which means you get a clean, even burn and the wick is made from 100% natural fibres and has been rigorously tested to make sure it burns properly.

With Mother’s Day coming up it’s a great gift for Mum. Whether she lights one to help her relax or just to make the home smell amazing, a Yankee Candle is a guaranteed winner.

The Yankee Candle Signature Large Jar candle retails at £29.99 and with an impressive burn time of between 65 and 80 hours it is excellent value for money.

HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener

Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, kitchen appliances, Spring

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Spring clean your kitchen with a new, faster knife sharpener from HORL3. If you’re like me and love a sharp knife but hate sharpening, this is a great alternative and actually quite fun too!

The HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener is a two-part utensil with the angle support (15 degrees and 20 degrees) and barrel both being made from recycled plastic. There is also a solid wood (oak/walnut) version and the high-end aluminium version.

How does it work?

The angle support holds the knife in place. Line your knife up on the 15 or 20 degree face of the angle support, and the magnets will hold it in place. The sharp edge of the knife needs to be facing upwards. Roll the barrel along the knife so that the disk end is touching just the edge of the knife and it will sharpen within a few moves. This is where the two different degrees matter; 15 degrees is for a precise cutting edge. 20 degrees gives a robust edge. You can vary how you sharpen your knife by using the 15 or 20 degree edge first or for longer, depending on what your knife is used for. The magnets make sure that the knife doesn’t slip and your fingers aren’t near the blade at any time.

The barrel turns as you roll it, keeping the disk in place. On each end of the barrel, there are vastly different disks. The courser diamond disk is for the heavy lifting of the sharpening. When you first use this disk, there are particles of both the disk and the knife generated, which looks like metal dust. This is normal, and subsides in time. The other end of the barrel is the stainless steel disk. This gives the knife a smooth edge. The instructions suggest that you coat the blade with a felt pen before you start sharpening and then you can see when all of the blad has been sharpened. Although I didn’t do this, it would be a good experiment!

The disks certainly sharpen the knives and very quickly too – it only took 5-10 turns of the barrel to sharpen my smaller knives, which is a big improvement on my old spear sharpener. You don’t have to worry about getting the angle right because it’s pre-set thanks to the angle support, and the magnets won’t allow the knife to slip. It took a few attempts to see how the barrel travels along the length of the blade but once you work it out, the sharpener does all the work and makes light work of it.

Although pricy, this is a kitchen product that reaps the benefits for years and won’t need replacing. The time it saves by not only shortening the sharpening time but by keeping your knife set (and scissors!) completely sharp forever, is invaluable. As the number one tool of any chef at home or in the restaurant, the HORL3 Cruise Knife Sharpener is priceless.

Available from £99 at: https://www.horl.com/gb/en/sharpeners/horl3-cruise/

Optima Natura Four Thieves Oils Products

beauty, Children, eco friendly, Family Life, health, Home, Home & Garden

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

If you’ve found this review then it’s probably because you’ve been searching for Thieves Oil, or Four Thieves Oils for holistic purposes. Four Thieves Oils is used for many ailments, cleaning and natural diffusing of the home. It’s a blend of essential oils which you can make yourself (but is quite expensive) or as in this case, you can buy Four Thieves already blended and ready to use. We were sent the Optima Natura Four Thieves Oils and the Four Thieves Fragrance Mist.

Each of the products, which is part of a bigger range by Optima Natura, are made of 100% natural essential oils comprising of cloves, lemon, cinnamon bark (and leaf), eucalyptus and rosemary. If you’ve never encountered the Four Thieves scent before, then I can only describe it as the freshness of eucalyptus with the warmth of cinnamon and rosemary. The cloves smell is very strong which is probably because it’s the oil with the largest concentration. I wouldn’t describe it as a scent you’d recognise from cooking or medicine, but it is similar to something you would find in a room diffuser or candles, but without being synthetic.

The concentrated Four Thieves Oils is great for adding to cleaning products to give the antibacterial properties as well as adding the pleasant fragrance. I use it as a mild antibacterial agent when I need a cut or graze dressed, or for mild skin infections like around my nails after a manicure. It has a whole range of uses, and the concentrated Four Thieves Oils from Optima Natura is the quickest, easiest way of getting all of the essential oils together rather than having to make it yourself! It’s very potent stuff though, so be careful when using it on some surfaces or around delicate clothes.

The Four Thieves Oils Fragrance Mist can be used as a perfume, direct to the skin, or for freshening up curtains, bedding, upholstery etc. If clothes are a bit musty, or don’t have the ‘just washed’ smell any longer, it’s a great way of giving them new life and also keeping the germs away. You can have this on hand for the car too when the dogs are wet during winter!

Save yourself the hassle of having to make up Four Thieves Oils for yourself, and indulge in the whole Optima Natura range for at home. You’ll be surprised how much you grow to need it!

Mist available from £8.49 at: https://www.boots.com/optima-natura-four-thieves-oils-fragrance-mist-50ml-10377817?srsltid=AfmBOopudvT-Ovtcdz3yOn3bxPL5F00dJF_qbZQsinPOZm4mEr16pGtS

Four Thieves Oils available from £16.99: https://www.boots.com/optima-natura-four-thieves-oils-aromatherapy-20ml-10377810

Airy Home Reed Diffuser

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We all struggle for Valentines gifts especially if we want something that’s not mushy! Airy Fragrances were born in Japan, based on the Japanese art of Kōdō where fragrance is not a function, but a feeling. The company was started by two Japanese women in 2024 who realised that the Japanese way of scenting the home was not the same as in Europe, and so the Airy home reeds were developed.

We were sent the Airy Elegant Harmony Home Reed Diffuser to try out in White Tea scent. A beautiful presentation box arrived with a bottle of scent, five reeds and the round, glass bulb. Setting up the diffuser is easy with the lid of the bulb vase easily detached and then replaced before the reeds are inserted. The circle of the round glass represents the concept of ensō, symbolising harmony, impermanence and quiet beauty. The Elegant Harmony scent is very soft, floral, and a touch musky. I can detect the slight vanilla scent as well which is what carries most in the home.

Although expensive, the Airy Home Reed Diffusers make a great gift and last 2-4 months each. The fragrances can be bought separately so you can replace them without having to replace the bulb vase as well. They’re also alcohol free. The website is set up to send the diffusers as gifts so you can send them straight onto the recipient.

Unlike other diffusers, the Airy Home Reed Diffuser is much lighter in fragrance and feels like there’s equally less heavy ingredients. They make great gifts because they’re so beautiful and have a range of different scents which can be purchased online, and no doubt more scents will follow. They’re a beautiful fragrance for the house and the scent carries really quickly, making it a gift which will last.

Available from £43 at: https://www.airyfragrances.com/products/elegant-harmony-whitetea-reed-diffuser

Tower Slushie Fusion – 5-in-1 Frozen Drinks Maker

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Home, kitchen appliances

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Getting ready for a cocktail this evening? Planning a drinks party this Christmas? Then Tower’s newest frozen drinks maker may be for you, especially if you are a fan of a frozen margherita or daiquiri. Or do you have children who are always bothering you for a slushie when you’re out?

How does it work? Is it easy to use? Yes – add your mix, select what you want from the digital control panel, put a glass or container underneath the spout, press a button and your water mix magically turns into an iced rink before your eyes.

This appliance comes in a very large box and is heavy. This is because it’s effectively an ice machine and crusher in one. No putting cartons of water in the freezer and hammering away with an ice pick to get that perfect snowy crushed ice. You just add flavoured water, press the buttons and fluffy magical crushed ice is deposited into a glass. This machine does it all for you and more.

Unboxed it is also very large and if you are thinking of buying one you may need to check where you’ll put it. It didn’t fit under any cupboards in the kitchen and even at the front of the worktop you couldn’t fit the drip tray underneath. It would have to take up a large space on an open worktop or one a table. But once installed it’s very easy to use and comes with a comprehensive instructions booklet that also has QR links on cleaning and a QR code on the machine for recipes.

The drinks ‘drum’ has a minimum of 0.5l and a maximum of 1.9l fill, so a large capacity to make plenty of slushie mix or iced cocktails at once. However, where I think the machine does fall down slightly, you have to put sugared water in the drum to make the crushed ice mix. It specifically says that low calorie or sugar free slushies can’t be made. To use these mixes you would need to add lemon juice, salt and a low calorie sweetener called erythritol! Probably no low calorie for children then. However, as alcohol does contain sugar, frozen cocktails and other alcoholic drinks would be fine and very enjoyable in the summer. The Tower Slushie Fusion Maker doesn’t just do children’s drinks and cocktails, it can also make frappes and milkshakes. These too would have to contain some kind of sweet sauce or sweetener.e appliance doesn’t come with any recipes but going online to Tower’s website there’s a very detailed recipes book. Browsing through it becomes clear that many of your favourite drinks can have the Slushie Fusion treatment – Espresso Martini, Boozy Cherry Cola or Creamy Pina Colada Slushie! And the other sections were equally exciting – the Vegan Mocha or Matcha Latte Frappe compete with an Apple and Cinnamon Kombucha Slushie.

Worried about the cleaning if you use sugary syrups and milk? Not a bother at all – most parts that get dirty can be dish washed. There’s even a video, via that QR code, to help you out.

Would I buy the Tower Slushie Fusion? For a lover of cocktails or children and friends who love sugary drinks and smoothies then yes. If you were having a large get together or celebration party, it would be worth the investment. There’s a certain novelty to freezing your drinks and it would certainly cause a buzz amongst guests.

Currently available for £179.99 at: https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/kitchen/26-litre-5-in-1-frozen-drinks-maker-black-t19058

Airy Fragrances Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser

Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts are opinions are our own.

While scented candles are a lovely way to fill your home with fragrance, they do have a few drawbacks. Firstly, they only release their scent once lit, so there’s no walking into a beautifully fragranced home at the end of the day. Secondly, if you have little ones or pets, an open flame can be a fire risk, so diffusers are a great alternative as they gently scent your space around the clock. No matches, no fuss, just effortless fragrance in your home.

A good diffuser will scent the room evenly, reed diffusers do this through simple alchemy – slender reeds draw up scented oil and release it slowly into the air. They need no heat or electricity, making them one of the safest, most elegant ways to fragrance a space. And these days, they’re every bit as chic as designer candle – often more so.

There’s so much choice when it comes to diffusers, and if you’re willing to invest a little more, you can find beautifully designed pieces that also double as home décor like this Airy Fragrances Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser. The brand was founded in 2024 by two Japanese fragrance enthusiasts and their philosophy is all about creating a scenting experience that feels intentional, atmospheric, and is essentially, mindfulness in a bottle.

The brand’s signature diffuser, is based on the Zen concept of ensō – a circle symbolising harmony and impermanence. The simple sphere shaped bottle reminds me of Christmas baubles so is the perfect choice for Christmas. Priced at £43, it’s more than I would generally spend on a diffuser but having had it in my home for a couple of weeks I’ve discovered it’s worth spending a little more as the fragrance has been consistent and hasn’t faded as fast as the cheaper brands tend to do.

The frosted glass diffuser is packaged in a lovely gift box along with 5 premium diffuser reeds and 180ml of fragrance oil which has been crafted in Japan. It’s beautifully presented, making it the perfect Christmas gift for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Elegant Harmony is a scent that captures the poise of Kyoto at first light – it has white tea, golden osmanthus and damask top notes unfolding into soft iris and jasmine. The base notes of musk and vanilla add a gentle warmth to the fragrance. White tea is known for its stress-relieving qualities, while osmanthus lifts the mood making this an ideal choice for bedrooms or living spaces. I’ve placed the diffuser in a few different rooms to see how the fragrance carries. In my tall, airy lounge, it fills the space beautifully and in smaller rooms, the fragrance isn’t overpowering and is noticeable the moment you step through the door. While scented candles are a lovely way to fill your home with fragrance, they do have a few drawbacks. Firstly, they only release their scent once lit, so there’s no walking into a beautifully fragranced home at the end of the day. Secondly, if you have little ones or pets, an open flame can be a fire risk, so diffusers are a great alternative as they gently scent your space around the clock. No matches, no fuss, just effortless fragrance in the air.

The brand’s signature diffuser, is based on the Zen concept of ensō – a circle symbolising harmony and impermanence. The simple sphere shaped bottle with silver collar reminds me of Christmas baubles so is the perfect choice for Christmas. Priced at £43, it’s more than I would generally spend on a diffuser but having had it in my home for a couple of weeks I’ve discovered it’s worth spending a little more as the fragrance has been consistent and hasn’t faded as fast as cheaper brands tend to do.

White tea is known for its stress-relieving qualities, while osmanthus lifts the mood making this an ideal choice for bedrooms or living spaces. I’ve placed the diffuser in a few different rooms to see how the fragrance carries. In my tall, airy lounge, it fills the space beautifully and in smaller rooms, the fragrance isn’t overpowering and it is noticeable the moment you step through the door. I’ve had so many compliments since placing this diffuser in my hall, and it’s easy to see why. The fragrance feels welcoming and refined, so it won’t be long before I’m ordering a refill – and I’ll certainly be exploring the other scents in the range too.

With its elegant design and beautiful scent, the Airy Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser makes the perfect gift this festive season.

Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Now that the evenings are drawing in and there’s a distinct nip in the air, I love to curl up in front of the fire with a good book and a few candles flickering around the room to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. At weekends I like to have one burning in the hallway so when friends or family arrive, they’re greeted with a beautiful scent as they step through the door.

Looking out of my window right now, the garden’s covered in a carpet of golden leaves so it’s only right that my candle of choice at the moment is the Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves. Available in four different sizes, Signature Large Jar, Signature Medium Jar, Signature Small Tumbler and the Yankee Candle Mini, there’s one to suit every space and style. The fragrance smells nice and autumnal with fresh top notes of grapefruit, eucalyptus, and Meyer lemon, middle notes of rose, jasmine, and oakmoss followed by the warm, comforting base of amber, patchouli, and vanilla. The scent is fresh and earthy and reminds me of crisp autumn days.

As the candle burns, the beautiful scent fills my living room, lingering long after the candle has been blown out. The jar comes with a lid, making it easy to extinguish, simply place it back on top to gently snuff out the flame and keep the fragrance contained. The two wicks ensure an even burn and with an impressive burn time of 65–80 hours I can see it lasting right through to December, just in time to switch to one a little more festive!

I also love that once the wax has melted away, the labels peel off easily (no sticky residue in sight), leaving a beautiful glass jar that’s ideal for storing makeup brushes, cotton pads, or even a string of fairy lights to get you in a festive mood.

The Yankee Candle Glistening Leaves Signature Large Jar retails at £29.99, and it’s well worth it for the quality and burn time. You can check out more of their gorgeous seasonal fragrances over on the Yankee Candle website.

Edifier ES60 Portable Speaker

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You would think that a portable speaker would just be for teens going to a summer festival, or your 20 something who is obsessed with having music on the beach but it turns out that portable speakers are everywhere and suitable for everyone. Edifier’s ES60 is the portable and affordable speaker that anyone can use, teenager, 20 something or even retired!

Using the speaker requires a Bluetooth compatible gadget, which usually means your smart phone, or it can be a laptop or Bluetooth enabled tablet as well. If you’re on the go though, it makes sense to connect it to your phone but it can be set up on multiple devices. To pair the devices, you just need to press the ‘on’ button and it immediately tries to find a Bluetooth enabled device. Using my iPhone, I went to Settings – Bluetooth and at the base of the window the ES60 was ‘discoverable’ and able to be linked to. Easy!

The speaker has all of the buttons you’d imagine on the top; play/pause, – and + for the volume and the on off switch. There’s also a 5-light display to show how much battery charge there is (and it can be charged using the cable provided for which is a USB-C cable. I also really like the additional button which is a light underneath! It makes it much easier to find the speaker if you’re camping, outside or just in a room at night and need to find it. The light has two settings; warm and bright light. You can download the Edifier app too and connect to the ES60 speaker remotely to control it too.

The sound quality is excellent, with a 360 degree sound experience thanks to the multiple speakers and design of the device. There are 9 hours of continuous play on a single charge but you can plug it in to play too. There’s an integrated microphone on the top of the speaker so you can connect it to your phone and be able to be heard, or use it to carry out Teams calls if you need the extra boost of a portable speaker to be able to talk to your colleagues!

A proper all-in-one portable speaker with some nice added benefits such as the microphone and ambient light make this not only a great gift but an all-round must have item at home.

Available from £119.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Dustproof-360-degree/dp/B0F8J2SWGL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=10WT591Q4COF0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F1207H9GgtkzrZT4zxgg469n2VQE_7bZCrLhE5iWVPImydl0K4JJkTZ0aDavWPCwRBigEIl4aVh2u8QV8qKY2RiFMowF7CPH_9QzQ2FkGmRcrqIet-aBHUjqBoLqHQ52mVMdB91r8rpeCT2uet4cPia_BFuoTDnyoT9LJBvUZwk-m5lT-EFUjeWM5Ka-7_IpMPu54WBN9q79_93Vm0sjGyFD5Q3Xrwf6N9-hAZRRU_w.1UeREBHv6fZuHfm_gAsN9vyWHSaE4TeztxwgRxA8laI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Edifier%2BES60&qid=1762366952&sprefix=edifier%2Bes60%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-4&th=1

The Official 24 Day Ultimate Elf On A Shelf Ideas Kit

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Advertised as ‘Santa-approved’ this Elf On a Shelf kit takes the stress out of December and the run-up to Christmas with a plethora of ideas and everything you need.

The kit includes accessories for each of the 24 days running up to Christmas, with 24 corresponding ideas cards for you (ahem, I mean Santa) to create the scene every night. They’re all fabulous ideas from a Christmas baking set, train on a track and even sandcastle with bucket and spade. There’s over 70 small pieces in all with a table and a reversable Christmas tree included. There’s 3 double-sided backdrops to stage or take photos with and the combination of the different accessories means you can create your own new ideas or have more than one elf. For instance, there’s several sports, cooking or kitchen ideas that can be combines.

The first day and last day also has a letter to the family with a space to sign the name of the elf. It’s important to note though, that there is no elf included with the kit, so you have to buy him (or them) separately. However, they are everywhere this time of year so that’s not a problem.

The pieces are also not suitable for children under 3 years old. They’re quite small and easily chewed.

This is a brilliant idea to keep things simple at Christmas, and you can use it year after year or even pass it on if your children become too old. The combination idea is great to keep children entertained and it all comes in a box which is big enough to store with your Christmas decorations. The photos you can take with all of the scenarios are worth the price of the kit alone, keeping up the Christmas memories alive from year to year.

Available from £24.95: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elf-Shelf-24-Day-Ultimate-Kit/dp/B0D2DV2GJ1/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=189242712711&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z43QdnIkYC9Z4_Mzn2lLVbmq1soFw_PweR4zlLcuweZR7Zz0bUfKug0qCOgoP_c3-m411XIoMWFOlL6_rEfTWW6rgKRcWhZZkFxwT5O0Dso-JEA50Q18HSn6-YvtsqVRXEIMZ-caNgWZZs9JJOTu1ymlYnB7p0dLKg_LYcGKpyPDoFyZLSWXdbox-env9okq3vgS0GPk14Jtgpd6I0dqN-wjXdaAYSW5bzY-OhYw7XjcI8XxSUQeWvI1TULeKFu-tx4W9NCZu9pngbLeuykxM2BfukC_ZcCJVd1qdSPFujc.TGNH_w0vagkLzYzrKk5PXpQKQ5KkV6qt7nw7CytHQ6A&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779246044974&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9045872&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14819389411957032071–&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14819389411957032071&hvtargid=kwd-2367840715418&hydadcr=16825_2198398_365668&keywords=24%2Bday%2Bultimate%2Belf%2Bkit&mcid=089c141e8d7b3a3ea52fd9375cf3c159&qid=1761997997&sr=8-2&th=1

Vamoosh Washing Machine Cleaner

Autumn, Home, kitchen appliances, Pets

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As autumn arrives, we end up using the washing machine for more clothes, more layers and bulkier keep-warm items. If you have pets, then you’ll find that their long hair is coming in and so there’s more chance of your washing machine clogging up!

Vamoosh Cleans have a special Christmas edition of their washing machine cleaner in Spiced Apple fragrance. The Vamoosh cleaning crystals are easy to us. Add a packet to the washing machine dispenser drawer and with the drum completely empty, put the washing machine on the hottest cycle you have. For most machines, this is around 90 Celcius. A normal length cycle should do the trick.

Vamoosh is different to other washing machine cleaners on the market because it dissolves hair. This is essential in a washing machine that gets clogged up because hair can stay hidden in the pipes for a long time and cause not just smells, but parts to break that will need replacing. It also eliminates residues and limescale with powerful cleaning, and eradicates 99.9% of bacteria too, which often causes a lot of the smells.

After a cycle of Vamoosh Spiced Apple, my washing machine was cleaner and fresher with a glow about the window of the drum that was like having your windows cleaned! I’ll be cleaning my washing machine more often now, in the knowledge that I’ll be eliminating bacteria too.

Available from £9.99 for two sachets at: https://vamooshcleans.com/products/washing-machine-cleaner-pink-grapefruit-for-deep-cleaning-washing-machines

Elemay Starry Nights Luxury Refillable Ceramic Candle

Autumn, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

When it comes to candles, I’ve found it’s worth paying a little more for a better quality candle. While cheaper ones will flicker away quite happily, many are made with paraffin wax, which can release soot and toxins into the air. Spend a bit more, however, and you get something altogether different. Natural wax candles burn more cleanly, with a steadier flame and the scent actually smells like what it says on the box.

Which brings me to Elemay candles – they’re made from 100% natural soy wax with lead-free cotton wicks, making them just as as kind to the air as they are beautiful to look at. The brand was dreamed up by Ellie while she was on maternity leave. And you can tell – this isn’t some faceless corporation churning out identical jars of wax. Every scent has been chosen with care to bring a sense of calm, joy and a little bit of luxury into your day. And I think we can all agree, we need more of that.

With notes of jasmine, zesty citrus, sweet musk and vanilla, the Starry Nights fragrance is inspired by Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight with Ellie wanting the candle to capture the magic of a clear summer night under a starry sky.

In my opinion candles should look as good as they smell and Elemay certainly delivers on that front. The luxury refillable ceramic candles are in handcrafted ceramic pots, made exclusively for the brand by Sussex-based artist Beth. Each pot is uniquely glazed and the Starry Nights pot has midnight blues and dusky purples to reflect the starry sky above the coast. Mine even arrived with a photograph of the cove taken by Ellie’s dad, and it’s incredible how Beth has echoed the image in her design.

I was surprised to discover that in most areas of the UK, candle jars can’t be recycled, so Elemay’s refill option is such a great idea. It’s not only a more sustainable choice but also a more cost-effective way to enjoy their candles. Refills are priced at £15, while the Starry Nights candle itself is £35.

The 220g candle has a burn time of around 40 hours comes with a care card and refill guide, and is packaged in a reusable linen gift bag, making it a perfect treat for yourself or a lovely Christmas gift.

Yankee Candle 24 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Home, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Now that September has arrived my Instagram feed and inbox is quickly filling up with one thing – advent calendars! And not the chocolate kind we loved as children, but fabulous grown-up versions bursting with goodies. Some of them are absolutely gorgeous, but they also come with hefty price tags (many are £100+) so I was very excited to discover the Yankee Candle 24 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar with a much more purse friendly price of £28.99.

Hidden behind each of the 24 windows is a 9.8g tealight candle and in the lead up to Christmas you’ll discover eight different Christmassy scents, from sweet and comforting Christmas Cookie to warming Cinnamon Stick, the freshness of Silver Sage & Pine, and the cosy magic of Christmas Eve. There are also more luxurious scents like Amber & Sandalwood, Black Cherry, Wild Orchid, and the dreamy Winter Night Stars. On day one, there’s also a little glass tealight holder to pop the candles in which can also be used long after the Christmas scents have faded.

Each tealight burns for around 4 to 6 hours, which means plenty of cosy evenings filled with Christmassy fragrances. I love the idea of lighting one each night as you count down the days or you could save up a few of the same scent and dot them around the room to really fill your home with the festive fragrances. After a busy day, there’s nothing lovelier than relaxing by the glow of twinkling fairy lights, a crackling fire, and the comforting scent of cinnamon drifting through the air – the perfect way to unwind in the lead up to Christmas.

A treat for yourself or the perfect gift for someone special, the Yankee Candle Advent Calendar is the perfect way to make December nights warmer, cosier, and so much more Christmassy.

Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Cosy up this Christmas in Bedsure’s wearable blanket hoodie – a perfectly snug cross between a hoodie and an oversized dressing gown, it makes a brilliant Christmas present for anyone.

We were sent this lovely light blue blanket hoodie to test out, which turned out just in time for the weather to turn! The oversized jumper fits over your head easily and has two giant pockets and a fluffy hood. If you’re looking to save a bit on the heating this winter, this is a great alternative. The shorter hoodie-style means you can wear it around the house without it getting in the way, and especially good for driving in. The sleeves have elasticated cuffs for typing or cooking and I like how the hood comes up round your ears even when it’s not up, so it acts as a scarf.

The Bedsure Wearable Blanket Hoodie is easily transportable because it’s vacuum packed and boxed for arrival. I not only loved this garment for the fluffiness of the material and how warm it keeps you, but for anyone who struggles with being cold all the time, or for the elderly who need to keep a constant temperature, it’s really wearable and an adorable colour. It’s available in other colours including pink, grey, red and black, but because it’s shorter, it’s easier to move around in and doesn’t weigh too much for every day wear.

It’s a great gift at Christmas, even as a stocking filler or Secret Santa!

Available from 26.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1NQ7GT4?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=masca0d-21&linkId=677774e6d39e553b3cc200292e969239&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_t

Danilo Elvis, Dr Who and Disney for Christmas

Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Danilo are synonymous with calendars and Christmas is the perfect time to give your loved ones a themed calendar they will love. The team at Danilo sent us three which are for all the family; Elvis, Dr Who and Disney! Each of the calendars are marketed differently for a range of ages, so if you see something you like here, search on the www.Danilo.com website and see if there’s one in a different format. They’re great stocking fillers and some of them are on sale right now!

The Disney Calendar is a family calendar for up to 5 people. Each page has a Disney cartoon theme from Dumbo to Aladdin and Lilo & Stitch. It also comes with a page of fabulous stickers for denoting the school holidays, parents’ evening and the school play, right down to character stickers and phrases. These are great for adding to the calendars but also great for keeping the children entertained in the kitchen when you’re trying to cook or concentrate. It’s lovely and colourful too so you can’t miss it on the wall!

Elvis fans will adore this special edition Elvis calendar in the form of an LP. It opens up from what looks like a retro LP cover to reveal the calendar which has a photo of Elvis on every month and the calendar days underneath. It even notes Elvis’ birthday on 8 January! The photos are from his Promised Land album, released in 1975, which is the theme of the calendar. The photos are all portraits and glossy with retro details of some of them being in black and white but all of them high quality. It shows Elvis at his best, if you’re wondering about what he looks like from his final years.

Finally, the Dr Who Collector’s Edition of the BBC programme is a Dr Who fan’s dream! It comes in a presentation envelope and opens up to reveal 12 frame-ready prints. This isn’t a calendar for making plans on, it’s a monthly collector’s calendar where you can remove the poster-like prints and save them to frame, but there is the monthly dates across the top of each page. The posters are all themed on details around Dr Who rather than the doctors or cast themselves. They remind me of artistic album covers which would look good on a wall anywhere, so it’s great to have a calendar which you can keep for longer than a year.

Disney Calendar £10.99: https://danilo.com/products/disney-classics-2026-family-organiser-calendar-with-stickers-and-pocket

Elvis £11.99: https://danilo.com/products/elvis-2026-collectors-edition-record-sleeve-calendar

Dr Who: £14.99: https://danilo.com/products/doctor-who-classic-2026-a3-deluxe-calendar?_pos=13&_sid=05f909d1b&_ss=r

Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

A cosy blanket is one of those gifts that you don’t realise you need until you receive one and then wonder how you ever managed without it! There’s nothing better than snuggling up on the sofa, watching a festive film, whilst snuggled up in a cuddly blanket. And they’re not just for the sofa – pop one on the bed and it’s perfect for keeping the chill away on those frosty winter nights.

Bedsure recently sent me one of their Sherpa Fleece Blankets which are available in four sizes – Throw/Single, Twin/Double, Queen and King. With an impressive 22 colours to choose from ranging from soft pastels like pink, cream and lilac to bolder shades like navy, black and dark grey there’s a colour to suit all tastes whether it’s for a Scandi-style living room or to add a pop of colour to a bedroom.

The Throw/Single size measures 130 x 150cm and is the perfect size for sharing on the sofa or layering over the bed. It’s also reversible, one side is silky-soft 220 GSM flannel, while the other is a wonderfully plush Sherpa fleece. It’s incredibly warm but surprisingly lightweight and if you’re of those people who feels the cold easily then you definitely need one of these blankets on your Christmas list this year! Although summer might not seem the perfect time to test a blanket, I took mine on a caravan trip and was very glad I did. It was perfect for wrapping myself in when we were sat outside chatting with friends and it kept me lovely and snug when the temperature dropped.

The blanket is machine washable between 30°C and 60f°C, although 40°C is recommended to keep it in top condition. You can also tumble dry it on a low heat, which helps maintain its softness after washing.

Some people are more difficult to buy for than others, but this year I’ll have them covered – quite literally – with a Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket. It’s the kind of present that’s practical and indulgent and I can already picture them curled up in it on Boxing Day, cup of tea in hand, feeling toasty and very pleased with their gift.

RRP £25.99 available from Amazon

Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Summer, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For the traveller, taking some home comforts with you on your journey is the perfect remedy to long distance flights or uncomfortable car rides. Levitex, the sleep posture experts, have a travel sized pillow in their customary design which can be taken on a plane as hand luggage or packed away.

Measuring approximately 30cms by 35cms when inflated, the pillow comes in 4 sizes (S-XL) and the website details how you work out what size is needed depending on your height and your sleeping position. The Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow also differs from other pillows because it is completely compressible and can deflate into a roll, secured with the enclosed strap so that you can take it with you in a rucksack or hand luggage.

To inflate the pillow to the correct pressure, you use the valve to allow air in to maximum size. Then, by literally punching the pillow with your fist to a depth of about 1cm, allow some of the air to escape then close up the valve. The firmness of the foam in the pillow give your head and neck the support needed to compose a good sleep posture to be able to sleep anywhere, and as it’s individualised to you in both pillow size and the firmness of the inflation, you can adapt it subtly to give you an even better sleep.

No more carrying bulky neck pillows at the airport and having nowhere to store them! Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow is also great for keeping in the car on long journeys or for children needing a pillow to travel. It also comes in a drawstring bag to protect it but allows you to keep it packed in between journeys.

Available online from £65 at: https://levitex.co.uk/products/anywhere-travel-pillow

Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow

Family Life, health, Home, Sport, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Most of us complain about bad sleep but we rarely do anything about it, just accepting that it’s part of life. Levitex however, have designed a sleep posture pillow that combats some of the causes of sleepless nights including the aches and pains associated with bad posture when sleeping.

I was asked to have an online consultation with founder James Leinhardt; a sleep posture expert with 15 years experience in working with patients who have complex neurological conditions. He explains that after seeing people lying in beds following operations, accidents and neurological complications, he could see why they weren’t sleeping well and waking with more pain than they should. It was all down to their sleep posture.

James started by explaining his background then asking questions about my sleep. How long does it take me to get to sleep? Did I wake up with aches and pains? Where were they? What position do I sleep in and what position was I in when I woke up? After gauging some background and no doubt looking at my posture as I spoke to him on the laptop (yes, I was hunched over and we spoke about that too!) James suggested that I try the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow in the 8cm (small) size. This, along with sleeping with another pillow under my knees as I’m a back sleeper, would help my back relax and give a better posture when sleeping.

The Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow arrived in beautiful presentation box with some information from James about the company and how to use the pillow. It looks different to my usual fluffy feather-filled pillows because it’s made of foam and therefore has a more defined shape. It’s only 8cm high too, which is far smaller than my usual height of pillows but this was the purpose of the consultation – to find out if I was supported enough when I slept.

The Levitex pillow is a bit smaller than your usual pillow case size but it still fits so your bed aesthetics are safe! I tried out the pillow for a nap first of all because it was obvious that a change in sleep posture was going to be a jolt. Firstly, the height took a while to get used to. Having half the height of my normal pillows meant I had to completely change the way I sleep, but that is the point. I also had to get used to sleeping on foam which has a different texture and a slight scent to it which takes a while to fade.

After a trial nap, I then tried sleeping with it on the bed. Again, a full night takes a while to get used to the change in posture. As I sleep on my back, I had to adjust where the pillow meets the back of my neck to get the optimum angle to be able to sleep comfortably. It probably took one night of waking and adjusting the position before I could comfortably say that I was in the right place to be able to sleep and have my body relax into the posture needed.

In the morning, it was a gradual wake up and wiggle of the toes to find that my shoulders were more relaxed and refreshed. I also noticed that my face wasn’t as puffy as sometimes, presumably because the pillow allowed for better lymphatic drainage from my face. Over time and with the adjustments James suggested to my sleep positions, I’m hoping I will be able to continue the good nights’ sleep even more!

Available from £80 at:

Sleep Posture Pillow

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As far as Christmas presents go, you can’t go wrong with a Bluetooth speaker. Edifier have this new 6 watt, Bluetooth v5.4 portable speaker which almost fits in your hand. It has a 43mm driver with neodymium magnets and a 55mm bass radiator.

Enough of the tech talk though – what’s it like to use? It’s 9.4cm x 9cm x5cm and has a USB-C charging port which comes with the relevant cable. The controls on the top are on/off, + & – and a light feature. There’s a display of how much battery there is and it illuminates when the speaker is switched on. There’s also a microphone function light which you can see lights up when the microphone is on. The light surrounds the speaker on both sides and pressing it several times changes the light colours or to a solid white. Great for when you’re camping and need to leave a light on to find your way back or to carry with you and see where you’ve left it!

To set up, just switch on the ES20 speaker so that you hear the chime noise, then look in your Bluetooth settings on your phone or device. The ES20 speaker should be there, and you can connect immediately! The speaker actually has multipoint pairing on v5.4 which means you can connect more than one speaker at a time to your one device. There’s about 15 hours of playtime on the speaker too, although I haven’t managed to test that yet as I’ve been playing it for hours on a full charge and it hasn’t given any indication of running out of steam!

You can use the controls on the speaker or there’s the EDIFIER ConneX app which allows you to change settings as well as simple tasks like volume. For the festival goers, it’s also waterproof and dustproof and comes with a handy strap handle to carry it with.

Like most Edifier products, this is a great Christmas gift or handy for yourself when you’re camping, in the garden or for a teenager’s bedroom.

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Portable-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Dustproof/dp/B0F8HYJB3F?th=1